Summer in Greensboro, North Carolina brings hot, humid days that can stress even the hardiest landscapes. As a Zone 7b gardener, you face unique challenges during the peak growing season—from managing drought stress to keeping your plants thriving in temperatures that regularly climb into the 90s. This comprehensive guide will help you maintain a beautiful, healthy garden throughout the summer months while working with our local climate.
Understanding Greensboro’s Summer Climate
Greensboro sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b, which means our summers are characterized by:
- Average high temperatures of 85-90°F (July is typically the hottest month)
- High humidity levels that can reach 70-80%
- Occasional drought periods between summer thunderstorms
- Intense afternoon sun that can scorch sensitive plants
These conditions create a perfect storm for plant stress, pest problems, and disease issues if you’re not proactive with your landscaping maintenance. For a complete overview of our growing region, check out our Complete Greensboro Zone 7b Landscaping Guide.
Essential Summer Watering Strategies
When and How to Water
Proper watering is the single most important factor in summer landscaping success. In Greensboro’s heat, follow these guidelines:
- Water early morning (5-9 AM) to minimize evaporation and allow foliage to dry before evening
- Deep, infrequent watering beats light, daily sprinkling—aim for 1-1.5 inches per week
- Focus on the root zone rather than overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases
- Use mulch to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature
Drought-Tolerant Plant Selection
If you’re planning new installations, choose plants that can handle Greensboro’s summer heat. Our Best Plants for Greensboro NC Gardens guide covers heat-tolerant options like:
- Black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia)
- Coneflowers (Echinacea)
- Lantana
- Russian Sage
- Ornamental grasses
Summer Lawn Care for Greensboro
Mowing Best Practices
Your lawn takes a beating during summer months. Keep it healthy with these tips:
- Raise your mower blade to 3-3.5 inches—taller grass shades roots and retains moisture
- Never remove more than 1/3 of the grass blade in a single mowing
- Keep mower blades sharp for clean cuts that heal faster
- Leave grass clippings to return nutrients to the soil
Fertilization Timing
Avoid fertilizing cool-season grasses like fescue during summer heat—it can burn your lawn. Wait until early fall for main fertilization. Warm-season grasses (Bermuda, Zoysia) can handle light summer feeding.
Managing Pests and Diseases
Greensboro’s humid summers create ideal conditions for fungal diseases and insect problems. Stay vigilant with these strategies:
Common Summer Problems
- Brown patch fungus in lawns—appears as circular brown spots
- Japanese beetles—active from June through August
- Spider mites—thrive in hot, dry conditions
- Powdery mildew—affects plants in areas with poor air circulation
Integrated Pest Management
Instead of reaching for chemicals first, try these eco-friendly approaches:
- Hand-pick larger pests like beetles and caterpillars
- Use neem oil or insecticidal soap for soft-bodied insects
- Attract beneficial insects by planting native plants for pollinators
- Improve air circulation by proper plant spacing
- Water at the base to keep foliage dry
Pruning and Deadheading
Summer maintenance keeps your garden looking fresh and encourages continued blooming:
- Deadhead spent flowers on annuals and perennials to promote reblooming
- Remove diseased foliage immediately to prevent spread
- Avoid heavy pruning in summer heat—stick to light shaping
- Prune spring-flowering shrubs after they finish blooming
Container Garden Care
Potted plants need special attention during Greensboro summers:
- Check containers daily—they dry out faster than in-ground plantings
- Move containers to partial shade during peak heat if showing stress
- Apply mulch to container surfaces to reduce evaporation
- Use potting mix with water-retaining crystals for thirsty plants
Preparing for Fall
While you’re managing summer tasks, keep one eye on the coming seasons:
- Start seeds of cool-season vegetables indoors in late July/early August
- Take note of which plants struggled—plan replacements for fall
- Order spring-flowering bulbs for September/October planting
- Schedule any hardscaping projects for cooler fall weather
For a complete checklist of what comes next, review our guide to Fall and Winter Landscaping Tasks for Greensboro Gardens.
Final Thoughts
Summer landscaping in Greensboro doesn’t have to be a struggle. By understanding your Zone 7b climate, implementing smart watering practices, and staying ahead of pests and diseases, you can maintain a thriving garden even during the hottest months. Remember that gardening is a year-round journey—what you do in summer sets the stage for fall success and spring beauty.
Looking for more guidance? Our Complete Guide to Landscaping in Greensboro, NC covers everything you need to know about creating and maintaining your ideal outdoor space throughout all four seasons.